Update on progress for EF 22
GAH! I leave for EF tomorrow, so much to do, so little time!
(yes, I have known about this for a year; yes I have procrastinated an obscene amount)
Head:
Modelled a polygonal (LoFi) red panda head from reference images in blender (started from scratch, rather than use a pre-existing, high poly mesh). Pictures of the final used model below:
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This was checked for proportions using a reference head, and proper (metric) metric scaling applied. To check, and tweak the model a number of small test prints were made using a 3d printer (M3D for those interested). Minor adjustments were made to the mesh after printing.
The mesh was then collapsed to a 2D net using the blender plugin “Paper Model” (https://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Extensions:2.6/Py/Scripts/Import-Export/Paper_Model), a couple of refinements to the mesh were made to make for a usable printable size (1:1 scaling, using A4 paper). A papercraft net of the head is available here:
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Example sheet from papercraft net:
<IMAGE OF NET>
Building:
So, with a head and papercraft net, now what? …go crazy cutting perspex! Each of the segments of the net were traced onto 1.5mm thick perspex, and cut to shape using a Dremel or small wire-hand-saw.
Safety first peeps, stay protected! (eye goggles, mask, wear appropriate clothing, remain sober while operating tools, etc)
<IMAGE OF CUTTING>
Individual panels will be held together with 3d printed (PLA) spacers, which follow the edges of the mesh. The perspex panels will be glued to the 3d printed parts (locktite: crystal glue), gaps in the seams filled with silicon bathroom sealant.
The perspex panels are naturally transparent (though do block UV…), and so need frosting (or otherwise being made opaque/semi-opaque). Plastic self adhering window tint/decals will be used to achieve opacity in the panels, although “self stick” this decal will be spray glued (to ensure even distribution of glue) to the perspex. Semi-opacity will allow later addition of RGB LEDs to the inside of the head.
Finished shots to follow… unclear if will be finished in time! GAH! *panics* (if not finished, will not take; can always do a cheeky papercraft anyways XD )
